Kfamilycruise

Great topic. I'm astounded by the difference in prices for different cruises. Someone said the water park cabana was $299 on their cruise and it's listed at $1,800 for mine. 

Thanks for all of your help!

16 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

 

The weather in Bermuda is similar to the Carolinas. That should give you an idea. I live in Maryland and it would be too cold for me to swim April 9. But a disclaimer, I find it too cold to swim in Bermuda in early May.

 

Ferries run to Hamilton all year so taking a ferry over there is an option. You can walk around there or take a bus or taxi to other attractions. A bus or Taxi to the Zoo/Aquarium  is doable. Another option is a taxi tour from the Dockyard. On a taxi tour you could get to see some of the beaches without doing a beach. 

Wonderful, thanks. And I understand taxis that give tours have a blue card or flag or something to differentiate themselves from other taxis? Do you know how much they tend to cost pp?

4 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

I think April is too cold for swimming. YMMV. Where are you from? As for alternatives to the beach there are plenty but first what day of the week? What day in April? No ferries to St. George until April 13. No ferries to St. George’s on the weekend. Some  things are not open yet in early April. 

Thank you both for your responses. We'll be there Thursday, April 9th I think so no ferries. We're from Asheville, NC now, Maryland before -- so the kids may enjoy the beach still, but definitely a no for me.

If the ferry isn't going because of time of year, are there other alternatives?

Hey CC. My family and I are taking the Escape to Bermuda for 1 day -- really more for relaxing days then to visit a port, but excited to go to Bermuda for the first time. I'm not convinced we'll be able to get into the water in early April though -- although my kids might. I was thinking we would take the minibus to Horseshoe Bay Beach. Thoughts on alternatives that the kids would enjoy yet doesn't require getting in the water?

Thanks in advance!

Escape is still my favorite ship. We too sailed her in the Haven in 2017. Can't wait to read more. We're on her again in April!

On 1/10/2020 at 6:35 AM, CazV said:

 

I second this. 

I can't say enough how Onda was my best meal on the ship. 

Vibe definitely sold at The Social.

You said you dream of clear waters .... I'd always choose a 7 day over a 5 day, but especially because you want clear water. I'd pick western Caribbean over the Bahamas any day of the week. In Ochos Rios, go to Blue Hole. My whole family still talks about this excursion we did 2 years ago. Cozumel go to Jade Caverns (the retirees may or may not be able to do this) and Grand Cayman go out and pet and touch the Rays and see starfish island.

Enjoy!

Some do not. We just sailed on the Encore and ours as well as our kids' (connecting), both had tubs, but they do have some just showers.

When I've visited Harvest Caye, I've seen the other areas available for rental in advance, but not the clamshells -- I've only seen that on board and yes, excursion credit comes out after that port visits. They don't have any other beach umbrellas. We did parasailing there and we did pre book -- I'm certain that they have activities available to book on board as well as once you arrive, but we booked everything in advance.

HTH.

When they were young, we were able to pull off the OV with all of us in one room, but with kids 16,15, and 10 -- one bathroom is no bueno. We regularly do connecting balconies and just did connecting mini suites and it was fantastic. We've also done Haven 2BR suite -- just depends on ship and time of sailing as others have said. Definitely want to call or ask your travel agent to book to ensure the cabins are linked as you do have to put one adult over 21 in each room. It really bites because if you want to be connected, can't do the upgrades! 

Have fun! The kids will love it!

You can definitely purchase a week pass, but don't know if you can share it with your kids. We did an hourly pass and then you swipe your cabin card on each "ride" or "game." It seems you'd be able to share it on the game ones, but I'm not sure if the ones that have staff manning them would allow it. 

The crew was very knowledgeable once on board. I'm sure it's just that it's a new ship. 

We just got off the ship and had an amazing time. The food and entertainment was phenomenal. Customer service was really really good. As others have said, if you have an issue, go and talk to someone about it. I had two issues and they made them right immediately both times. Seriously fantastic. We were in a mini suite and really enjoyed the bigger bathroom. 

Thank you so much for your amazing review. At this point, I'm really sad I don't have reservations at Los Lobos! As soon as I get on this ship, I think I'm going to change one of my reservations there. Looks like you had an amazing time! Thanks for taking us along with you!

On 11/28/2019 at 2:44 PM, BirdTravels said:

Angie, rides are $8 each. You can pay the attendant with your room key. 
 

You can get an 1 hour pass for $29. Or a day pass for $49. So, if you want to try more than three experiences, get the hour pass and keep riding until the hour is up or you get sick. 

I can't thank you enough. I've sailed on so many ships just after you and I can't thank you enough for your reviews! So helpful! We are on the next sailing, so we are very, very excited and you've had amazing info! I didn't know there was a day pass for the GP. That's amazing news!

Our Spring Break is that week. I'd say if you are looking to avoid kids you need to move to week of 19th or later.

Thanks so much for taking us on your journey. I love these pics of the two sisters and the video of the horn battle. Super cool!!

I have a slightly different opinion here. We stayed in aft Haven on Getaway and then in Haven on Escape and I'd say there is a huge difference in attentiveness of the staff -- and the walk to the Haven is really far.

Having said that, the NYC trip -- you are absolutely right. It will be cold for first couple and last couple of days.  You do get free movies in the Haven.

We traveled out of New Orleans last Christmas and really loved it. It's warmer even in December. And we love the Getaway. We have not yet sailed the Bliss -- but our boys, now 16, 15 and 10, absolutely love the ropes course and all of the outside things to do on the Getaway -- that are free. We have been on Getaway twice, Breakaway once and Escape once -- Escape is our fav ship hands down, but we really loved Getaway & Breakaway.They all have the ropes course. We are headed on the Encore in Dec. and I am very worried about the cost of the Go Karts, Galaxy VR stuff and if we'll ever get to do outside laser tag -- no more ropes course, mini golf or other free things to do like that (although Bliss has mini golf).

Just a slightly different perspective. Hope that's helpful.

Thanks so much for your review as always Doug. So excited to sail her in Dec. All of the photos of pretzel rolls have me salivating. Glad the weather has smoothed out. Hope you get to enjoy the outside bars soon too!

Looking good so far! Thanks so much for posting! Looks like Haven breakfast menu may have gotten new items? Avocado toast looks delish!

Bummer that it’s raining! Hope you have an amazing trip! Can’t wait to see you having fun on the Encore!

On 8/14/2019 at 11:50 AM, shadowmeboy said:

 

I know! It only took 3 months of nagging, I mean convincing!

 

I can’t wait. Plus I want to try Q again. Hopefully it’s better this time. 

 

I have 5 nights of specialty dining - 3 sdp and 2 platinum certs.

plan is los lobos x2, Cagney’s, La Cucina, and Q.

I've been looking at the Dawn, but my biggest concern (we always travel with our kids (16,15,10) -- how would you compare Bliss V Dawn when it comes to ship activities and entertainment? Thanks for great review! I love the New England/Canada itinerary!

Thanks. We have the 2BR -- we've actually been in this same exact cabin before and loved it! We love the Escape! Thanks for the other info!

Great video! What beat did you go to in Bermuda? Who was your bartender and concierge in the Haven? Any tips? We're doing this cruise in the Haven in April.

Thanks!

Which operators have you found to have transportation there and back? I haven't found one and since the ship (encore) isn't offering the excursion, I don't want to risk the 90 minute trip there and back. I'm really disappointed because this is what I wanted to do while in port.